Move in. Four months. Christmas. New classes. Five months. Move out. Repeat. Isn’t college such a strange phenomenon? How have we accepted such a way of living as normal? How can we make a home when we are constantly moving between places? While there is no one direct answer to this problematic question, I think most of us have done a fair job figuring it out in our own ways. As the end of spring semester approaches, I look back on my freshman year of college and endless questions run through my mind: When did that happen? Where did the time go? How can it already be over? I don’t have a response to any of these. I just can’t believe that it is already over, and here are 9 reasons why.
1. I remember move-in day like it was yesterday.
I remember what I was wearing, what I ate for breakfast that day and the anxiety attack I had the night before. I remember driving up to Westmont, I remember the first people I saw upon arrival, and I remember the tightness in my chest. It is all a very vivid memory that certainly does not feel nine months in the past.
2. I can’t remember anything about the following week.
While the first day is very vivid, I can’t remember anything about the following week or so. I do not remember orientation weekend and the events that the school put on for incoming students. I do not remember the first class session of each course. I don’t remember meeting most of the people that I have in my life now. How can my freshman year be over if I feel as though I have not obtained the proper memories?
3. There are so many people I haven’t had the opportunity to get to know.
Throughout the year, I have met so many wonderful people that I had plans to get to know. However, before I knew it, the year is over and all of those postponed indies and study sessions are lost in time.
4. I still don’t know what the heck I’m doing with my life.
Sure, enter college undeclared; you’ll figure it out once you get there. What if I still don't know? Time is ticking, and I am stressed.
5. I’m not ready to go home.
Even though I am so incredibly homesick, I’m not ready to move home for three whole months. Being college is a tricky situation in that you are split between two places that are both considered home. I am excited to go home, but nervous because I am certain that I will develop a homesickness for Westmont and the life I live here.
6. I still haven’t found a place in my dorm for all of my stuff.
Even though I packed lightly when I moved to college, there was still not enough space in my room for all of my belongings. At the beginning of the year, I made the excuse that I would find a cozy corner for all of my junk as soon as I was settled in. Now here I am in the month of April with a box still sitting on the floor of my closet.
7. I’m not ready to not be a freshman.
Do you know how much stuff I get away with because “I’m only a freshman — how am I supposed to know?” Next year I will be a sophomore and have to take responsibility for myself. No way, José. I mean don’t get me wrong; I’m not a terrible person, but am I really ready to help guide incoming freshmen? Probs not…
8. Where my boyfriend at?
Wasn’t I supposed to meet the love of my life by now? I mean, 70 percent of my reasoning for attending college was to get my Mrs. Now, I’m not trying to be one of those girls that want “a ring by spring” but I do. #noshame.
Disclaimer: this is 100 percent an exaggeration.
9. I’m not a “perfect” Christian.
Whatever that means… I assumed attending a Christian college would bring me closer to God, and I would be such a great Christian. In some ways, I have gotten closer to God, but in other ways, I have fallen farther than ever before. Turns out, going to college doesn’t fix all of your problems.
So, no, I can't believe freshman year is over. I'm sad about it. I'm excited. And I'm mostly terrified. But there's no going back now.
